Mary Ann, I'm curious what you mean when you refer to a toileting program. My dad is starting to have issues with incontinence and it would be great for all of us if we could steer him back, to whatever extent we can.
Thanks!
Carrie
________________________________
From: Mary Ann Ryan <[log in to unmask]>
To: [log in to unmask]
Sent: Thu, March 18, 2010 8:30:57 AM
Subject: Re: need help with dementia diagnosis - Alan & Patti Zapf Texas
Alzheimer's dementia is unremitting. Once it starts the person never reverses. In PD the dementia gets worse and then gets better, gets worse - then better. In my husband's case, it didn't completely overtake him, although he never completely returned to normal. We could still talk about what happened yesterday or last week - in snatches.
Ultimately, it seems that death occurs in similar fashion in both diseases. My husband slept most of the day during his last months, totally lost his appetite and merely slipped away. He never lost his ability to swallow - although that is a common problem in end-stage PD, as it is in Alzheimer's.
Incidentally, with a proper toileting program my husband was continent to the very end.
------
Mary Ann
www.bentwillowfarm.org
> Hello Mary Ann
>
> What's the difference in symptoms btw PD dementia and Alzheimer's dementia?
> Thanks
>
>> Patti, Aricept has mixed results - some people do well on it while others
> don't notice a difference. Our neuro refused to prescribe any dementia
> drugs for Jamie because he claimed that they cause even more balance
> issues - so I have no personal experience with that group of meds.
>
> Please keep in mind that depression is very common in PD - probably because
> there are a host of neurotransmitters involved in the disease. It isn't
> surprising that depression may result as a consequence. Please keep in mind
>
> that PD dementia is a lot different than Alzheimer's dementia. Even at the
> end of his life and despite severe dementia, Jamie still remembered who we
> were, where he was and what was going on in the world.
>
> Just continue to stimulate your husband's brain with puzzles, books and
> games. Social interaction is also very beneficial.
> --------
> God bless
> Mary Ann (CG Jamie 68/28 with PD, died 11/20/07)
> www.bentwillowfarm.org
>
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